EL CORAZÒN DE MÈXICO - Sample 8 Day Itinerary
Includes working with a Christian orphanage
In the true “heart” of Mexico, we will survey the epic clash between Old and New World cultures and faiths and discuss how this has created modern Mexico. This will give us a perfect opportunity to learn about the cultural challenges to which all missionaries must be sensitive. We will then journey further inland to Querétaro with its historic and festive “El Centro” which provides a more tranquil setting to mingle with the locals and stroll its streets and plazas lined with cafes, missions, mansions, and shops. This is also where we will work with a local Christian orphanage in its efforts to foster better lives for neglected children. For the outdoor adventurer, hiking, rafting, and other activities can also be added.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and Orientation)
Fly into Mexico City, Driving tour of Mexico City: Paseo de la Reforma (Monumnet Corridor), Zona Rosa, Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Bellas Artes (Grand Opera House), Alameda Park. Orientation. Dinner in Coyocán, check into hotel.
Day 2 (by foot and Metro)
Morning: El Zócalo area (National Plaza), Templo Mayor (Excavations of Aztec temples), National Palace (grounds and Diego Rivera murals). Cathedral.
Afternoon: Chapultepec Castle and Park, National Anthropology Museum.
Evening: Dinner in hip Zona Rosa, shopping.
Day 3 (by bus, en route to Querétaro)
Morning: Teotihuacan (1,500 year old pyramid city. Climb the 3rd largest ancient pyramid in the world).
Afternoon: Lunch and Bus to Querétaro. Dinner in El Centro Querétaro, Orientation and free time. Check in to hotel.
Days 4, 5, 6
Stay in Querétaro. Volunteer work with the children at the orphanage. Projects according to current needs of orphanage. Evening alternatives include authentic meals in Queretaro, evening concerts, or afternoon trips to nearby artisan communities of Bernal and Tequisquiapan. (Ministry days can be extended.)
Day 7 (Walking tour of El Centro, Querétaro.)
Morning: Zenea Garden, Plaza de la Corregidora, Plaza de Armas, Santa Cruz convent, Los Arcos (Aqueduct)
Afternoon: Free time to explore shopping / pedestrian district. Lunch.
Evening: Dinner in El Centro. Night tour of plazas and cathedrals. Debriefing time.
Day 8
Bus to Mexico City (3 hours) to catch afternoon flight home.
Other trip options:
More time at Christian orphanage.
Day trip to colonial Cuernavaca from Mexico City. (Add Extra Day)
Huastecas Potosina rafting and/or cascade rappel adventure from Querétaro (Add 3 days)
Sierra Gorda and Huastecas Potosina Adventure: Pre-hispanic ruins, caves, colonial missions, exotic waterfalls and natural river pools (Add 4 Days)
Sierra Gorda circuit: Pre-hispanic ruins, colonial missions, Xilitla surreal jungle castle (Add 3 Days)
Language classes or homestay exchanges for extended stays in Querétaro (Multiple Days)
Day trip to artsy San Miguel de Allende from Querétaro (Add Extra Day).
Day trip to Guanajuato from Querétaro (Add Extra Day).
Trip Focus:
In addition to the ministry projects, regular devotions and group discussions will integrate the days’ ministry and sightseeing activities with Biblical principles of service and leadership. All travelers will be impacted in the following ways:
1) Develop a broader global perspective and increased cross-cultural understanding.
2) Learn how their own gifts and talents can be used effectively to share the Gospel in both word and deed.
3) Come to better understand principles of effective Christian leadership, including having “a servant’s heart”.
4) Have an opportunity to consider a life-long calling to overseas ministry.
5) Grow close to Mexican people and mission team members.
